Local tuna highly regarded in the US market

Did you know that the Philippines is among the top ten exporters of tuna worldwide? Yes, this country is the world’s seventh top tuna exporter, according to FoodMarketExchange.com, the most popular online marketplace for food industry players around the world.

In fact, 37 percent of our marine exports last year were tuna products valued at US$143 million, including canned, fresh/frozen, and dried/smoked tuna.

This good news, plus the Philippine tuna’s niche in the international market, drives many of our local companies to promote their tuna products in our priority markets such as the United States. Just recently, Alliance Tuna International—one of the leading canned tuna manufacturers in our country—promoted their products in Chicago, USA, through the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Show 2007.

FMI Show is the largest and most comprehensive food industry event in North America, which showcased not only tuna or other fish products but also fresh and processed food items like wines and juices, condiments, fruit preserves, healthy snacks, ready-to-cook meals, and fresh/dried fruits and vegetables.

“The show gave us the chance to meet our existing customers in the United States. We were also able to further promote our canned tuna products which are under private label or buyer’s brand,” says Randolph Rodriguez, assistant vice president for Marketing of Alliance. He also mentioned that they effectively reached around US$600,000 worth of sales under negotiation during the fair.

Young but ready tuna company

Alliance Tuna International Inc. is the only publicly listed tuna company with a daily capacity output of 120 metric tons a day. It started manufacturing and exporting tuna since March 2004.

In just three years, it was able to supply its pre-packaged products to 42 countries, where the US, Germany and United Kingdom are its top export markets. With over 100 label products under Alliance, its services include customizing ingredients, canning and labeling.

“Yes, the US is already one of our very important clients but joining the FMI show helped us to see the new trends and technology in this market, thus giving us information on how to attract more potential buyers,” Rodriguez explains.

Acording to Rodriguez, “Tuna is an excellent source of protein, nutrients like magnesium and potassium, and of course, the helpful omega-3 fatty acids. Knowing these health benefits, Alliance makes sure that from preparation to loining and packing to shipping, the quality and freshness of the tuna are preserved,” he adds.

In order to ensure the safety of its products, Alliance boasts of the accreditations that it gained from several international institutions, namely: US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Union, European Food Safety Inspection Service (EFSIS), Earth Island Institute, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Alliance is also proud to note that it is HACCP, Halal, Kosher and International Food Standard certified.

Beyond expectations

There are other factors that make Alliance Tuna stand out in the sea of local and international tuna manufacturers.

Its can manufacturing plant is one of the country’s most modern facilities, reassuring the company’s commitment to yield incomparable products. Its three-piece can line is capable of producing 603 different can sizes at a rate of 150 cans a minute, while the two-piece can line is capable of producing 307 diameter cans at a rate of 180 cans a minute.

Moreover, its processing plant is strategically located in the Southern part of the country, particularly in General Santos City, which is known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines.” It is adjacent to the Western Central Pacific Ocean, where 48 percent of the world’s tuna is harvested.

But beyond these numerous advantages, Alliance Tuna remains humble. “The only thing that makes Alliance different from other manufacturers of canned tuna would be our dedication and commitment to our customers to serve the best product at the best price possible,” Rodriguez says.

Other FMI participants

Bsides Alliance, six local food companies joined the FMI Show in Chicago, USA. They are: Mega Fishing Corp. (sardines in canned, pouched and bottled sardines), Oceanic Exports Inc. (fruit preserve, noodles, fruit wines, food supplements), Oriental Synergies (tropical fruit wines), RFM Corp. (dry baking mixes, flour, other baking, fruit drinks and teas, milk, ice cream), See’s International Food Manufacturing Corp. (variety pack chips, dried fruit), and Superstar Coconut Products Co., Inc. (bread crumbs and mixes, baking coconut and toppings). During the event, the Philippine delegation generated US$3.11-million export sales.

The first Philippine participation in the FMI Show is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions agency of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.

For more information on the Philippines’ participation in the Chicago FMI, please call CITEM, Agri-Marine Division at 831-1282 or e-mail agrimarine@citem.com.ph.

Source:http://www.yehey.com/

The Manila Times, 30 July 2007